Tibet: Dalai Lama Hospitalized

The Dalai Lama was hospitalized in New Delhi, his spokesman said early Thursday [9 October 2008], just two days after a medical checkup cleared the Tibetan spiritual leader to resume foreign travel.

Tenzin Taklha told The Associated Press that the Dalai Lama was admitted to a New Delhi hospital for "further consultations with doctors."

Taklha declined to say when he was hospitalized or provide any details on his condition. He said he expected more information to be released later in the day.

In August [2008], the 73-year-old Dalai Lama was admitted to a Mumbai hospital and underwent tests for abdominal discomfort. Doctors advised him to cancel a planned trip to Europe and rest, saying he was suffering from exhaustion.

The Dalai Lama arrived in the Indian capital Monday [6 October 2008] from Dharmsala, a north Indian hill town where he set up his headquarters after fleeing Tibet in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule. He was scheduled to be back in Dharmsala on Thursday [9 October 2008], according to information provided earlier by Chhime R. Chhoekyapa, another spokesman.

At the time, Chhoekyapa declined to say why the Dalai Lama needed another checkup less than six weeks after he was admitted to a Mumbai hospital and underwent tests for abdominal discomfort. He spent four days in Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital.

Taklha in September [2008] said that the spiritual leader was in good condition but doctors had advised him to rest as much as possible.

The Dalai Lama normally spends several months a year traveling the world to teach Buddhism and highlight the Tibetans' struggle for greater freedom in China.

After a March [2008] [unrest], China stepped up its campaign to vilify the Dalai Lama, blaming him for the unrest, which Beijing says was part of a campaign to split the Himalayan region from the rest of China.

The Dalai Lama has denied the allegations, saying he is only seeking greater autonomy for Tibet to protect its unique Buddhist culture.